Sherice's Journey: Nurturing Emotional Literacy with Jonesy, the Therapy Dog

Meet Sherice Marks, a devoted educator and mentor at Canine Comprehension. With 22 years of teaching experience spanning across various continents, Sherice brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. In this interview, she shares her background, partnership with Jonesy, the golden retriever, and the invaluable life lessons she's learned from her students.

Sherice's Background:

Sherice's journey as an educator began with a deep-seated passion for teaching and a love for working with children. Her early experiences, such as babysitting and leading youth groups, highlighted her natural affinity for connecting with kids. She also developed a fascination with psychology and understanding how children learn. Sherice's dedication to creating a safe and supportive learning environment led her to explore innovative approaches to education, particularly in addressing anxiety and emotional well-being.

Introducing Jonesy:

Jonesy, affectionately known as Mr Jones, Jonesy is a golden retriever with an innate gift for being a therapy dog. Sherice and her family welcomed Jonesy into their lives when he was just a 12-week-old puppy, marking the beginning of his training journey. Jonesy radiates joy when he enters schools, and his love for working with children is unmistakable.

Preparation for the Role:

Sherice's extensive teaching experience, spanning different schools and continents, has honed her skills in understanding various learning styles and needs. Her passion for working with neurodiverse children has given her a unique perspective on problem-solving and embracing different ways of thinking. Sherice's commitment to understanding how children learn and the role of behaviour as a form of communication has been further enriched through specialised courses by experts like Dr Ross Green and Michelle Garcia Winner.

What Sets Canine Comprehension Apart:

Sherice believes Canine Comprehension stands out in the industry by using dogs as powerful teaching tools. While dogs are known for companionship and assistance, Canine Comprehension harnesses their potential to teach emotional literacy, communication, friendship, responsibility, and more. The organisation's balanced programs use dogs to create small group dynamics that facilitate learning. They also offer individualised sessions to help clients achieve specific goals, all while incorporating the unique language of dogs.

Valuable Life Lessons:

One profound lesson Sherice has learned from her students is that behaviour is a form of communication. Instead of labelling children as "naughty," she recognises that every action conveys a message. By listening to children and understanding the reasons behind their behaviour, Sherice fosters connections and helps them succeed. Children's honesty and openness have taught her the importance of genuine listening and empathetic responses, transforming her role from a mere knowledge provider to a trusted guide in their learning journey.

Sherice's dedication to nurturing emotional literacy and using Jonesy as a teaching tool exemplifies Canine Comprehension's mission to empower children through the unique bond between humans and animals. Through her experiences, Sherice reminds us that every behaviour has a story, and by embracing children's honesty and unique perspectives, we can create environments where they can thrive emotionally and academically. Sherice and Jonesy demonstrate the remarkable impact of understanding, empathy, and the language of dogs in shaping young lives.